Bio-based
industries, which according to the European Commission represent 9% of the EU's
workforce, will welcome its attempt to nail down what the 'bio-economy' is and
what it can do for EU goals on green growth and environmental protection.
The
strategy issued on Monday is not an easy read as it plays buzzword bingo with
existing initiatives. I counted 18 different strategies, programmes and
flagship initiatives before running out of steam. A strategy document is always
going to refer to existing policies. But professionals in the bio-based sector
or traditional industries such as chemical manufacturing also want to know how
it will help them.
This
plan is a very positive step. Even just embedding the term bioeconomy in the
public policy vocabulary is helpful. If policymaking can support the shift to a
more sustainable future, including the bioeconomy, then this strategy is a
milestone.
But
it lacks concrete measures needed to make the bio-economy a real European
success story. And the fact it was driven by the Commission's research
department also suggests the actions that will come out of this plan are
primarily going to be research focused. Rather than more research, what is
needed now is support measures.
Societal
acceptance of technologies is always an issue so let us also hope the Commission can push the education side of the bio-economy so that renewable
technologies and bio-refineries do not encounter major NIMBY opposition.
Historically however, it finds it difficult to interfere in societal acceptance
issues.
We
can partly decouple growth from environmental impacts if what we consume is
made from more sustainable resources. I just fear that while Europe issues
policy papers, the rest of the world is getting on with it, offering
substantial incentives to bio-economy players. Policy or no policy, the EU must
not miss out on a more sustainable future.
Kathryn
Sheridan is CEO of Sustainability Consult, a sustainability communications and
PR consultancy based in Brussels and operating globally. Her clients include a
number of companies in the bio-based industries in Europe.
ENDS Europe 13 February 2012
